Ram Taal Kund is an ancient site in Sunrakh village at Vrindavan, Mathura (Braj or Vraj Region), situated at the junction of five highways of the Kushana period. The ancient site is said to be 2500-3000 years old. This site was lying neglected for decades and had become flat field. With the fear of it being encroached, the villagers approached to local NGO and officials to restore the ancient water body. The NGO “Braj Foundation” is known for working on the revival of ancient kunds and along with Ram Taal, 40 other kunds have been brought back to life. After signing a MoU, with the villagers Braj Foundation started de-silting of this Kund. During desilting operations ancient bricks have emerged and an ancient foundation has also emerged. Helpers excavating a holy kund “Ram Taal” have discovered what is claimed as the first iron sheet used to prevent seepage of river water. During excavation of the ancient Ram Taal, at depth of 15 feet, a two-inch thick iron sheet at the base of the kund was found. The two-inch thick iron is 4.5 feet broad, 180 feet long and 120 feet wide iron sheet, at the base of the kund. It is a rare discovery which can throw up new facts on the use of iron in ancient civilization. This probably is the first ever iron sheet recovered from any water body in the country. Since the area lies adjacent to the Yamuna River, the sheet could have possibly used to prevent the seepage of water inland. The surprising part was that the molten iron plates used at the bottom of the tank was not rusted. [IronPillar of Delhi at Qutub Minar (Previously called DhruvStambh or VishnuStambh) is also rust proof. The 98% wrought pure quality iron pure, is 7.21m (23 feet 8 inches) high, with 93 cm buried below the present floor level, and has a diameter of 41cm (16 inches). The Sanskrit-Brahmi pillar inscription has discus of Vishnu at the top and was used for astronomical activities. It is a great example of Indian Chemistry, Mineralogy and Metallurgy with advance SmeltingTechnology which eventually got lost due to foreign invasion. Patanjali in his Lohasastra, gives elaborate directions for many metallurgic and chemical processes, especially the preparation of metallic salts, alloys, and amalgams, and the extraction, purification, and assaying of metals.] At RamTaal, S K Dubey, Archaeological Officer of the state Archaeological Department, who has taken samples of this iron, says, “This kind of use of iron, at the plinth level, is indeed a unique discovery. However, a lot needs to be examined before drawing conclusions. The bricks used in the water tank seem to date back to at least the 7th century while the bottom level may be older. We plan to send the samples to our Lucknow office for further examination. Though iron has been in use for the past 3,500 years, usually plaster-like arsenic or bitumen is found in such ancient tanks. The use of iron is, thus, rare and more so because there is very little evidence of rusting,” he explains. The Kund’s wall is 4 feet 6 inches thick, with a 1.5-metre-wide and 2-inch-thick iron plate running through it. “The brick size is 12 and ¼ inch x 8 ¼ inch with a thickness of 2 ¼ inch. The specifications match those given inSamaranganaSutradhara, a text compiled by Parmar ruler Raja Bhoj (AD 338-394) for constructing a public kund,” claims Project Manager Bipin Vyas, who has been involved in various heritage restoration works in Mathura and Agra. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Braj Bhoomi Brajbhoomi has a great historical and cultural importance in the history of Bhartiya civilization. Brajbhoomi is basically the region mainly in Uttar Pradesh around Mathura and Vrindavan which falls under Ganga-Jamuna doab region. Mathura and Vrindavan are two main centers of Brajbhoomi but there are many places of cultural, religious and heritage significance scattered all over this large region. It is estimated that around 50 million pilgrims and tourists visit Braj annually. They come to pay their obeisances in the various Temples, Kunds and Groves of Braj like: In Vrindvan - Bankey Bihari temple, Radha Vallabh temple, Radha Raman temple, Radha Damodar temple, Rang ji temple, In Nandgaon – Nandamahal, In Barsana - Shriji Mandir, In Baldev – Baldau Temple, etc. Typically pilgrims and tourists perform Circumambulation (called parikramas) of different temples, sites like that of Giriraj Goverdhan, towns such as Vrindavan or indeed the whole of Braj Bhoomi, which is known as the Braj 84 Kos Yatra. The traditional Braj culture is predominantly rural in nature. Agriculture & Animal Husbandry have been the primary vocation of Brajwasis (People of Braj) since ages. The villages of Braj offer a unique colourful experience. The simple kind hearted Brajwasis are superb hosts. Braj is predominantly a forest culture. In Brajbhaktivilas there is a mention of over 137 transcidental dense groves on both flanks of Yamuna. Braj is the land of Lord Krishna, the propounder of world famous Srimad Bhagvad Gita. Lord Krishna appeared in Mathura some 5000 years ago and performed his innumerable pastimes all over the region. More than 650 villages of Braj are associated with His various leelas. All this makes the entire region of Braj sacred for millions of Hindus all over the world. Braj has a 5000 year old cultural heritage of unbroken continuity. Since the advent of Krishna 5000 years ago, the culture of Braj has been sustained despite innumerable onslaughts. Braj offers round the years festivity. Every day there is a colorful festival in Braj. We can see that the stories found in many of the ancient Puranas, or the Mahabharata are not merely myths or legends, but we can see the places where they actually happened. We start in Mathura, then go to Gokula, Vrindavana, and then to other places in the greater area of Vraja, or Vraja-Mandala. The glories of Mathura of Vrajamandala are elaborately explained in the Varaha Purana, chapters 152 through 180. There are four lord Shiva shrines which are believed to guard the city as Kshetrapals in its four directions. ==================================================== References: 1.Braj Foundation 2.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-pape...pond-base-sparks-curiosity/article3633216.ece 3.www.news.vrindavantoday.org Via -Ancient Indian Scientific Knowledge Forum
